Ernest W Pudney

Born May 31, 1944 in Peoria to Ernest and Wilma Jean (Trent) Pudney, he had a common law marriage to Christine O. (Young) Johnson in 1981 in Peoria. She preceded him in death on May 11, 2002 in Peoria. He also was preceded in death by four brothers, Mickey Pudney, Guy Pudney, Rodney Pudney and Robert Pudney and four sisters, Marilyn Whitby-Maddox, Pamela Furlow, Shirley Whitby and Cathy Jean Pudney.

Surviving is his one son, Kenneth (Christine) Johnson of Washington; one daughter, Kandace (Jeff) Simpson of North Pekin; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Glenda (Larry) France of Peoria, Ranae (Louis) Nava of Creve Coeur and Kim (Todd) Bender of Pekin; and several nieces and nephews, including one incredibly special nephew, Jason (Tina) Pudney of Bartonville.

Ernest, Butch, Ernie, Grizz, however you referred to him, he made everyone feel special, he was just that kind of guy. He was one of the good guys. The one you wanted in your corner. The one you could turn to when you needed a helping hand, if you needed good (or bad) advice, or just that person to sit and talk about nothing.

He was a bird whistling, karaoke singing, poker playing, coffee drinking, western watching good ol’ boy! He loved watching wrestling with his nephew and his family or fishing with his great nieces. He enjoyed hanging out at his nephews’ automotive shop, being with family and tending to his garden. More than anything he was always up for a good chat on the phone. He loved his family and would move mountains for his grandchildren.

Butch was an Army Veteran. He worked as a Boilermaker at Methodist Medical Center, co-owned an autobody shop, bartended at Duffy’s and co-owned Tubby’s Tap in Edwards.

He also owned a used furniture store in Peoria, cleaned carpets, worked in pest control and many other odd jobs to provide for his family. He was a hard worker.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday, April 16, 2021 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Steve Weber will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services. Guidelines regarding social distancing and wearing of masks will be followed. He will be laid to rest next to the love of his life at St. Mary’s Cemetery in West Peoria.

Memorial contributions may be mailed to K. Simpson, 108 Center Street, North Pekin, Illinois 61554 to help offset expenses.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com